Ayrshire gets into spirit of Christmas

Next Sunday is the official start to Christmas in Ayr, Prestwick and Troon.

The big trio in South Ayrshire are all launching their way into the festival season with the big lights switch on the same day, Sunday November 20.

In Ayr, a full day of entertainment gets underway at 11am with a traditional Farmers Market at Ayr Central and runs throughout the afternoon until 5pm.

The shopping centre will also play host to an acoustic music stage, featuring up and coming talent between 11am- 4pm.

And the Ayrshire Cancer Care Santa Dash will use the centre as its start and finish point between 2- 5pm.

Register to dash at www. ayrshirecs. org or call 01563 538008.

Down at the old Watt Bros building, the FreshAyr stage runs between 12- 3pm and features acts like Little Twist Of Fate and Rubicon.

Over at the Fish Cross, the Karen Douglas Dancers will showcase a variety of styles to well- known festive music between 3- 3.30pm.

And the main stage in the High Street will take over between 4- 6pm, building towards the switch- on of the town’s lights.

Ayr Pipe Band, Three Card Trick and Sean C. Kennedy are all on the bill before former headline acts Gareth Gates and Michelle Heaton take centre stage.

Hometown girl, paralympian Robyn Love, will join the duo on stage with Provost Helen Moonie for the switch- on at 6pm.

Wintertainment is Troon’s festive offering, the whole town gets involved and all the shops are open with their full Christmas offering.

The town’s world- class pipe band, the 1st Troon Boys’ Brigade, leads the parade of organisations which begins at 12.30pm at Templehill.

And a key part of the parade is not just Santa, but Mr and Mrs Claus on the back of the festive float.

There is action right up until 4.30pm when the town’s own flaming beacon will be lit in Church Street.

New this year will be the switch on of terrific new Christmas lights which will be triggered at 4pm from the steps of the Town Hall.

Sum Wumin Drumin are back by popular demand, giving their unique touch to rhythm.

Events are being held in the Old Parish Church halls, Nazarene Church, Seagate, St Patrick’s Primary School, and the beautiful beaks of Owl Magic.

A full fairground is set up in the Academy Street car park.

Troon Community Council chairman Helen Duff said: “Quite simply the town transforms itself as a great place to be. Everything is in place for the best ever Wintertainment whatever age you are.

In Prestwick, top DJ Colin McArdle gets things going on the Main Stage in Station Road at 1.10pm

From then on there is constant entertainment including Dansarena Dance School, Ayrshire Infinity Choir, Magic Malky, Little Fire and Waterfront.

The procession and lights switch- on is at 4.15pm.

A Community Stage has events from 1.35pm with the Kingcase Primary Choir, Lori Smith, Glenburn Primary Choir, Emily and Charlotte Rutter and Chloe Barnes finishing things at 3.30pm.

There will also be music and exhibitions at Prestwick Community Centre and the Cadona Fairground is back at Boydfield Gardens.